1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 3, 2022
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Eric Garcia, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Request to Consider A Citywide Humanitarian Needs Drive for the People of Ukraine
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council could note and file the report, or in the interest of time, forgo the customary second step in the additional agenda item process and direct staff to prepare a citywide humanitarian needs drive for the benefit of the people of Ukraine.
BACKGROUND
At the April 5, 2022 City Council Meeting, Mayor Talamantes requested staff to bring back a first step report for City Council consideration of holding a citywide humanitarian needs drive for the people of Ukraine.
DISCUSSION
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine and both countries have been engaged in war since this time . The o ngoing conflict in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis in the country with millions of Ukrainian people experiencing critical supply shortages. There is a dire need for food, water, medical supplies, general supplies and children’s aid amongst a long and growing list. Conducting a citywide humanitarian drive in Burbank may allow the community an opportunity to provide necessary resources to the people of Ukraine during this time of need. The Burbank Fire Department (BFD) is proposing to conduct a two-week drive that would kick off on Fire Service Day /National Police Week, Saturday, May 7th and conclude on Friday, May 20th. BFD will take the lead in coordinating with all City Departments to promote the drive via social media and other community events, as well as provide details on the type of goods being requested for collection. During this time period, the community will have an opportunity to drop off
2 specified goods to designated bins which will be situated in secured locations at all City buildings.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is a negligible fiscal impact associated with this report with some use of resources to advertise the event and collect the donations.
CONCLUSION
Should the City Council be interested in conducting a citywide humanitarian needs drive as requested by Mayor Talamantes, given the nature of urgency and interest in time, the City Council could forgo the second step process and direct staff to proceed pla nning a two-week drive to start on Saturday, May 7, 2022 (Fire Service Day) and conclude on Friday, May 20, 2022.
ATTACHMENT
None.